"We're so pleased that we purchased the POLARstar Omega. From the moment that the BMG Labtech team came and performed the demo we knew that this was the plate reader for us and we have been proved correct. We have had a multistage induction so that we have got to know the instrument and then been taught how to really make it work for us. The software can be installed on lots of computers so you can plan your experiment carefully at your desk and transfer the method easily. The machine does everything that you could possibly want and everything is easy to use and accurate. A brilliant piece of kit."

"Multi-well plate reader has been made easy and interesting to measure mitochondrial membrane potential of live cells especially by ratio metric dyes such as JC-1. The effect of several unknown compounds can be evaluated in the presence of more than one control at the same time. Data analysis is also quick and easy."

"Easy to use. Fairly straight forward and applicable for many different sized microplates. I would probably recommend this to a colleague, 5 star for ease of use- it’s hard to get it wrong. The after sales service was amazing with quick correspondence for any issues."

"The product is easy to use with the software very simple and user friendly. Results obtained quickly and easy to explain how to use to other students and staff. Would recommend the product to a potential purchaser. Hoping we can raise funds to buy an upgrade."

"Really helpful for absorbance (OD600) and fluorescence assays involving bacterial growth. Easy to use and hassle free. Condensation may be an issue if you don't ensure your plates are properly closed with a lid."

"I use this product on a daily basis and its versatility means it fits all my needs. The onboard UV/Vis spectrometer gives me sufficient flexibility and throughput to use for reading regular ELISA plates and for 96 well protein and carbohydrate assays. The dual emission FP detection works well as does standard FI measurement. The TR-FRET module provides excellent sensitivity for this format. The software is intuitive and helpful as are the BMG team. Overall I'm very satisfied with this product."

"We've been using the POLARstar Omega for a variety of assays and found it very easy to use and reliable. The after sales service has also been excellent."

Review date: 20 Sep 2011 | POLARstar® Omega

The POLARstar Omega is a multi-mode microplate reader that can perform all microplate based assays, including fluorescence polarization (FP) experiments.

Having Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) detection, it can capture two emission wavelengths at once, like the perpendicular and parallel signals in FP. In addition, BMG LABTECH’s proprietary CCD-based spectrometer allows for ultra-fast, full UV/Vis spectrum analysis on the POLARstar Omega. With these two features, experiments are possible on the POLARstar Omega that are not possible on most other microplate readers.

To properly perform all of the leading assays in microplates up to 1536-wells, the POLARstar Omega offers the following detection modes:

Simultaneous Dual Emission (SDE) DetectionThe POLARstar Omega has BMG LABTECH’s SDE, which means it has an extra PMT to detect a second emission signal in assays like FP, FRET, and BRET. Because the POLARstar Omega does not have to switch filters or polarizers to read the second channel, its Simultaneous Dual Emission detection makes FP, FRET, and BRET assays faster and more precise.

Cell-based Assays - Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU)For cell based assays, the POLARstar Omega can be equipped with the Atmospheric Control Unit (ACU) for proper gas control, as well as with two reagent injectors and extended incubation capabilities up to 65°C. The microprocessor controlled ACU fully regulates both O2 (1 - 19%) and CO2 (0 - 20%) levels within the microplate reader chamber for optimal results in all cell-based assays.

Low Volume Measurements with the LVis PlateFor absorbance assays like DNA, RNA, or protein concentration determination, the POLARstar Omega can use BMG LABTECH’s low volume LVis Plate. Two microliters of sample can be measured in any of the sixteen microdrop wells, saving on precious reagents needed for further experimentation.